Sciences of the Earth
Studies in the History of Mineralogy and Geology
Format:Hardback
Publisher:Taylor & Francis Ltd
Published:27th Nov '98
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Sciences of the Earth first presents a connected series of papers on the history of mineralogy in relation to chemistry, from the Renaissance to the beginning of the 19th century. It considers some of the important philosophical ideas that underpinned early thinking about minerals and earths, and also the practicalities of mineral analysis. Other papers in the volume examine the influence of historicist thinking in the emergence of historical geology; the application of Michel Foucault's ideas to the mineral kingdom; the geological ideas of Robert Hooke, with reference to his views on scientific method; the 'problem' of Whig history of science, considering as example Archibald Geikie's work as historian of geology; and the application of 'grid/group' theory to early 19th-century English geology. To open, there is a paper dealing with a Roman theory of volcanic activity, little known to historians of science.
'The usefulness of collections of papers like this one is well attested to, especially in a field such as the history of science where papers are published in a variety of journals, from the technical through those of the humanities, and across national borders...this is a fine collection of original and thoughtful articles, not only full of the results of extensive scholarship, but written in a way to inspire reflection on what it means to write history of science.' Metascience, Vol. 8, No. 3 'Sciences of the Earth is...of great use and value for historians of geology and also for historians of science in general...every article can still be read with great profit.' Annals of Science, Vol. 57 '...a thought-provoking and stimulating book.' ISIS '... widely welcomed...' Ambix
ISBN: 9780860787709
Dimensions: unknown
Weight: 453g
356 pages